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Tuesday, April 30, 2013

The ELF was sick this weekend, so these last few letters sneaked up on me.

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

But I'm doing a bit of self-promotion for X. X is for xenophobia. Xenophobia or at least a form of it will be one of the issues in the next series I'm planning to launch. I can't say much more about it than that, because some things haven't been finalized, except to say, it's still PG-13 but much edgier than what I usually write.

Y =YA Asylum
Kim at YA Asylum loves anything creepy. She's talking about YA books, horror, Dr. Who and more. She's on a short break right now, but hopes to be back by Wednesday, so go say, "Hi!"

Friday, April 26, 2013

The A-Z blogfest is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out. I'm taking a break from my theme of promoting book bloggers to vent today. If you're not into venting skip this post. If you're into venting read on.

Wow. Just wow.
I'M SO ANNOYED WITH THE PARENTS IN YA I THINK I'M GOING TO SCREAM!!!! I'm serious. If I read one more YA novel where the MC apologizes to his/her parents for stating the obvious/telling the truth I will scream. I'll consider stepping out to the patio to do it so it's not too annoying for Emil & the ELF, but I will scream! Look, if the truth hurts, the only person who can change it is you. If your eighteen year old daughter says you don't love her because you hired a circus complete with wait staff for your new wife's six year old's birthday but sent her a pair of jeans that you couldn't even be bothered to pick out under the guise "New wife & I are a team! Rah-Rah Rah," she's right. And when new wife says, "You need to get out," and you support this insanity it affirms the message. Daughter does not owe you an apology. Daughter stated the truth. It might be an ugly truth. It's the truth. Be a parent. Deal with it. Likewise, when your eighteen year old daughter says in a therapy session your new wife is a self-centered homewrecker since she was hired to babysit for her mentally ill mother and married her husband instead--it's also true. She does not owe new wife an apology. If new wife doesn't want to be told she had an affair with a married man, new wife should not have had an affair with a married man.

The thing that annoys me most is that this didn't happen in the same book. It seems to be a theme of the current wave of YA that you aren't supposed to tell your parents they're hurting you. Here's the thing: when you decide to bring a life into the world, your decisions often irrevocably affect someone else's life. That effect can only be positive if you're making good decisions. Not just good for you but also good for that life you chose to bring into the world. If you can't deal with this, you should probably consider before bringing a life into the world. Duh! I get as a society we've moved away from the notion that our child's needs and happiness are more important than our own. I don't like it, but I get it. What makes me sad is that we seem to be moving toward a notion that our child's happiness and needs aren't even as important as our own, not even close. And if that's not bad enough, we're reducing it to words in books meant for them. We are sending a very bad message.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

Vault Girl is an aspiring teacher, a book blogger, and a graphic designer. She has some graphic freebies on her blog and is supportive of writers. If you're thinking of self publishing, she also does book covers and banners. Go say, "Hi!"

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

David's Song
Taken from the book cover: Annie only ever really loved two men in her life. One broke her heart, the
other married her. Four children and fifteen years later, Annie’s marriage is in jeopardy. Money is tight
and her husband questions the very foundation of their relationship. When Annie is unexpectedly
given the opportunity to see the young man who broke her heart — a man who is now a megastar in
the music industry — Annie is faced with choices. Choices that will determine what is of more value —
a second chance at lost love and unfulfilled dreams or commitment, trust, and love built on years of
experience.
A psychologically subtle, yet compelling tale about how the instinct and need for love overcomes self-
doubt and personal inadequacy.

Excerpt

“Jeremy, what do you want from me?” I asked, lifting my eyes to his. He shrugged. “I guess I want to know if this guy is one of those fantasies you told me about. I want to know if you know him well enough to have such strong feelings for him.” “I don’t know how to answer that.” I felt cornered. If I said he was a fantasy, then my behavior would look foolish, but if I said I knew him well, then I would also have to admit that I knew he had no feelings for me. And I just didn’t want to go there. “It’s pretty simple, Annie. Do you know him, I mean, really know him? Does he really know you? Does he like you?” I looked at Jeremy. Why was he being so insistent? “Jeremy, please don’t make me do this,” I said quietly, looking down. He became very tender. “Make you do what, Annie?” “What does it matter if he’s real or not? If I know him or not?” “Because I don’t want to see you hurt.” He was genuinely concerned. I could see it in his expression. “Well, thank you for your concern, but when you look at the situation, I think it’s inevitable,” I said, tears stinging in my eyes. I looked away to hide them. “It doesn’t have to be.” “And what am I supposed to do, Jeremy? You don’t know what it’s like to be falling for someone and they hardly know you exist.” He leaned back in his chair shaking his head in disbelief. “Annie, you’d be surprised,” he muttered under his breath.

Author A.R. Talley
April R Talley was born and raised in the Rubber City, Akron, Ohio in 1959. She is the youngest of six
children. She attended Brigham Young University for a time, but withdrew to work fulltime for Osmond
Productions in Orem, Utah as a member of The Osmond production staff. After a brief stint working in
television, she returned to Akron to finish her education. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in
Mass Media Communications in 1981. April later worked as vice president and part owner of a dance
and sportswear boutique. Married in 1982, she is the proud mother of seven children and is deeply
involved in volunteer work for her church. April spends her time working on future projects, caring for
home and family, and traveling. David’s Song is her debut novel and the first of a trilogy.

It is 2,000 years ago and Cleopatra is Queen of Egypt. She is the absolute ruler and everything she says becomes law. It is a time of great turmoil in the world. Rome has the greatest army and conquered everything in its path. Caesar has been murdered. Marc Antony is now Cleopatra’s lover.

Marcus is a Roman boy. Selene is a girl from Alexandria, Egypt, the hometown of Cleopatra. Marcus’s father is the most important Roman stationed in Egypt. Selene’s father is probably the richest man in Alexandria, and possibly in all of Egypt. They don’t like each other.

Marcus has done something very bad in Rome which made his father furious, causing him to order Marcus to leave Rome and come to live with him in Alexandria. Marcus is not happy. Marcus and Selene don’t know each other. They have never met. But they will. Soon. Their worlds will change and so will they.a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Before we get started, today Brooke Berry has posted reviews of both books, and the top ten things to do in Cancun here.

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Before we get started, there is an awesome review that talks about both Marlowe Girl books at Mythical Books and I'm talking about books I wish were movies at Curling Up With A Good Book. Also, The Other Marlowe Girl is currently #13 for inspiraitonal romance and #64 for contemp romance(a hard market for clean romance to compete in) so if you want to read it or even if you're just curious please help me push it on to the free bestseller's list by downloading a copy here. Thanks!!!

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

Today, I'm featuring Sarah Nego. She's not a book blogger, but I think her blog is a good one for aspiring writers to know about. Sarah's a writer and an agent with a marketing background. On Monday's she posts agency lessons, and she routinely posts marketing advice for writers. Next month, she's hosting a marketing challenge with action items for the entire month. That should really help a writer out in this saturated market place.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Because it hit #27 on Amazon's best seller's list for inspirationas (in spite of it not being an inspirational--not sure how that happened) I've decided to leave The Other Marlowe Girl free through the weekend.

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

Rachel at Young Adult Novel Reader loves YA like the name would suggest. She likes paranormal romance, urban fantasy and sometimes a good romance. She also organizes blog tours and cover reveals, and she loves promoting books.

Friday, April 19, 2013

If you're here for FF go here. Before we get started, today there is a review of both books & my ten favorite comfort foods here.

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

Sonia is The Story Queen. She's accepting requests for reviews for YA and MG. Her favorite genres are fantasy, paranormal, dystopian and contemp. She's a huge Harry Potter fan, and a high school student. Go say, "Hi!"

Before we get started, today I have a spotlight here, an interview with Aimee Lane here, and a review of The Other Marlowe Girl here.

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

Today I'm featuring Bella who runs the paranormal book club. Now before you say you don't read paranormal, you should know the people at PBC read and review a variety of genres including suspense/mystery/thriller, YA, dystopian, paranormal, and adult. I really like that when they review adult books age appropriateness is included. I believe Bella is open to review requests.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Before we get started, today I'm talking about creating believable characters at Addicted 2 Heroines.

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

And my outstanding blogger today is Shane from Itching for books.Shane loves promoting books and authors and actually organizes blog tours at very reasonable prices. Check her out!

Monday, April 15, 2013

Before we get started, The Marlowe Girl blog tour officially starts today. I have an interview with Kathy at I'm A Reader Not A Writer, an excerpt with Heather. Sarah Ballance and I are talking about the differences between the Marlowe sister here, and I'm talking about my ten favorite book/movie sisters with Stacy Juba here.

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

Emily is a young adult librarian and blogs at Ninja Librarian. She loves all genres of young adult and has been blogging for a year. I love anyone who promotes YA and librarians are always so helpful! Go say, "Hi!"

I organized a book blitz today to celebrate the release of The Other Marlowe Girl. My book is on 15 blogs, so special thanks to every who is participating(please see the list below). Also, you may have noticed the calendar at the bottom of my blog. I'm starting a ten day tour with I'm A Reader, Not A Writer tomorrow. She did a great job organizing the tour, so special thanks to Kathy and all of the bloggers hosting me over the next ten days.

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

Beverly Stowe McClure blogs at The Story of a Writer and is always willing to help out a writer. She promotes picture books, MG & YA. Go say, "Hi!" And she's usually willing to help out with your blog tour or cover reveal.

Maureen blogs at Marueen's Musings. She loves to help with blog tours, cover reveals, and book blitzes. Her interests are Christian fiction and clean romance. Go say, "Hi!"

In fact, both of these ladies are helping with my blitz today so check them out!

Saturday, April 13, 2013

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

Laurie's particularly interested in paranormal reads, but she's open to non-paranormal reads too. And right now she's looking for authors to feature on her blog, Laurie's Paranormal Thoughts & Reviews, so go say, "Hi!"

Also if anyone is interested, I'm looking for help with a blitz for Monday April 15. You can find out more here.

Friday, April 12, 2013

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

Kaisy Daisy's Corner is open to reviews! She's most interested in romance and cozy mysteries but will read almost anything. Kaisy Daisy's Corner is also open to product reviews of all kinds, so go say, "Hi!"

Kelly Hashway is a writer, but she's also a book lover. She often features posts on writing, but she just as often features cover reveals and book reviews. And she's usually willing to help a writer. Check her out!

Also if anyone is interested, I'm looking for help with a blitz for Monday April 15. You can find out more here.

The Bookstall in conjunction with the Skokie Public Library hosted the most awesome signing ever tonight! (Pictures to come). So I'm giving away an autographed copy of 13 Reasons Why to one lucky follower. Here are the rules: 1 entry for following on GFC and 1 entry for following on Networked Blogs 1 entry per day for tweeting, but you must be a follower to win.

BUT I'm hosting a second contest on my facebook page. The prizes are another autographed copy of 13 Reasons Why and a copy of The Future of Us Signed by Jay Asher. And for that contest 1 entry for liking my page and 1 entry per day for sharing the contest.

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

Julie Musil blogs books to teach writing. One of the great features of her blog is "Lessons Learned From Book." It features the cover and author then Julie talks about what she learned as a writer from reading the book, and how those lessons can be applied to other writing. It's helpful and never requires a neg review! Gotta love that. She also routinely features writers on her blog.

Jen Daiker blogs at Unedited. Jen's electric. She blogs whatever she wants, but she's supportive of writers. She's usually willing to participate in your blog tour/cover reveal/or post a guest post. She also reviews MG, YA, Chick-lit(her fave) and the occasional picture book.

Also if anyone is interested, I'm looking for help with a blitz for Monday April 15. You can find out more here.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

Chan Luo blogs at Immerse In A World of Fiction.She's interested in YA and currently accepting review requests. She also has a super cute blog. Stop by and say, "Hi!"

Also if anyone is interested, I'm looking for help with a blitz for Monday April 15. You can find out more here.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

I appreciate all the support last night, and I know what you're thinking. Beth, you're such a drama queen. That was the shortest hiatus ever. And it probably was, but you're the reason why. I felt a need to unplug for a while because the people who stole my story apparently prefer erotica to clean romance. They trolled me! Their 1 star ratings brought my goodreads status down 1.2 points in two days, and I know it was them because the book wasn't available legally in the "reviewer's location."

And so many of you reached out to me last night that I realized the internet allows pirates and trolls in our modern wold, but it also allows me to be friends with people all around the world who I would have never met otherwise. People offered to help, so I've given books to anyone I know to love clean romance and hopefully by the time my blog tour starts Tuesday my rating will be back up. If not, I guess the world won't end. So today's post was supposed to feature Nickie Anderson from Here's the Story, and it did. But I had to say that I'm back so you're listening to me instead of reading her. It would make me super happy if you would go say, "Hi," to Nickie. Thanks!!!!

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

Nickie Anderson blogs at Here's The Story. She's interested in MG, YA, Christian Fiction, and I think romance. She's very supportive of writers and tries to feature an indie writer once a week. Go check her out!

Also if anyone is interested, I'm looking for help with a blitz for Monday April 15. You can find out more here.

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

Blogging from The Eagle's Aerial Perspective, Golden Eagle is awesome. She's still in high school, and she's so supportive of writers and the book industry. She reviews a wide range of reading interests, and is usually willing to help out with a blog tour or cover reveal. And Eagle is also interested in science. She's got a bright future that's for sure, so stop by and say, "Hi!"

Also if anyone is interested, I'm looking for help with a blitz for Monday April 15. You can find out more here.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

The Other Marlowe Girlhad a release date of April 16, 2013. I had to upload it early to create purchase links for my tour host I'm A Reader, Not A Writer. I had planned on keeping this to myself and letting it go up with a big release on April 16, but if you've been around this weekend you know that the moment I uploaded it, the book was pirated. Since my friend the pirate has it, I thought everyone else should too. So the blog tour won't start for another 9 days, but the book is up now!

I'm kicking off with an interview on the 16th, but I'd like to organize a small blitz on the 15th. Nothing huge just the cover and blurb. If you'd be willing to help, please sign up on the linky below. Thanks everyone!

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

Today's featured blogger is Beth at Free Spirit Books. Beth is a media specialist at an elementary school and loves reading and blogging books. Her special interests are children's books, Southern fiction, and women's fiction. She loves authors and she's open to review requests. Go say "Hi!"

Friday, April 5, 2013

Update: One more thing, we're all focusing on the pirating which is a concern, but what about all the people who simply buy the book, read it and return it? That's still a loss for the author.

Hi,

I contacted you earlier because of the three returns I had overnight. My initial concern was that readers were complaining about something. I was confused as I spent a great deal of time and money making sure both books were meticulously written and professionally edited. But then I googled why ebooks get returned and found forums that stated people just don't want to pay. And why should they when you make reading and returning oh-so-easy?

Then I had another thought. I used Kindle Select for a reason this time, and it wasn't the ability to give my book away for free. Back in the fall, I uploaded a copy of my first book to Smashwords for a test. I then unpublished it and republished on it's release day. That test sold a copy, and before the book officially released it was pirated. I didn't complain about it. I chalked it up to discoverability and a learning lesson. This time I chose to publish only with you! Because you're Amazon. The best. I planned to use a pre-order page to create the links for the blog tour, and at least postpone the inevitable until release day. Then you told me kindle direct doesn't offer this. That was okay, because you're Amazon. The best. I priced the book at $2.99, because pirates hate paying. While I'm the kind of author who has never turned down a request for a reviewer's copy, pirates don't even leave reviews! But thanks to your seven day refund policy, my book--which has not officially released yet--has had 21 illegal downloads since it went live on your site this morning.

Just thought you should know how helpful this policy actually is. And you can expect this to be copied to my blog and fb tweeted and retweeted.

We may also issue refunds for reasons we deem appropriate, which may include accidental purchases, dissatisfaction due to poor visual quality, or a book's contents not matching its description.

Please be assured that we actively monitor for abuse of this policy.

In order to avoid unauthorized copying of digital content we give publishers the option to enable DRM for their works. Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology is intended to inhibit unauthorized access to or copying of digital content files for titles.

As an author or publisher, you choose whether to apply DRM to your content, and when you do, we respect and protect that DRM.

Please see the information posted in the License Agreement and Terms of Use and the Kindle Store:

Thanks for using Amazon KDP.My response: DRM was enabled. Also, I would like to point out I read 3 books the first 3 days of this week. A 7 day return policy allows Amazon to be used like a library, especially taking into consideration poor quality and visual quality can easily be determined by downloading a sample.

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

Today's featured blogger is Christina at Ensconced in YA. Like the blog title suggests Christina is all about all things YA. She reviews, interviews, promotes and blog hops. She's closed to review requests for a couple of weeks, but she loves authors. So go check her out!

And this next girl isn't really a book blogger yet, but it just wouldn't be "E" without my ELF.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Q: Have you ever read a book that you thought you would hate -- Did you end up hating it? Did you end up loving it? Or would you never do that?
I wouldn't really read a book I thought I was going to hate. It would be a waste of time. I've picked up books I felt luke warm about. Sometimes I loved them, sometimes I hated them. And I've picked up books I thought I would love and been severely disappointed.

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

Today, I'm featuring Jessie Harrell at The Daily Harrell. Jessie is a YA writer/book blogger. She often reviews YA and NA books, and on Tuesday she features YA book birthdays. She usually uses book birthdays as a way to support a debut YA writer but she also promotes established authors. Go say Hi!

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

So all writers know today is IWSG, but first I have an interview with the amazing author Victoria Simcox & she's giving away a couple of ebooks. You just need to like her goodreads page & leave a comment.

1) What inspired you to write The Magic Warble?

I remember I was sitting in the movie theater watching the first Harry Potter movie when
I envisioned my main character Kristina, walking down a snowy sidewalk. At the time
that was all of story I had. I went home that night and wrote my first page not knowing
where the story would go.

2) How long did it take you to write The Magic Warble?

It actually took me longer than I would have liked. I'd say 4 years. But that was because I
was so focused on home-schooling my 3 kids, teaching art, and doing many other things.
I didn't have the time I would have liked to put into my writing. Now that my two older
kids are in college, I am able to write more frequently.

3) What are some of your favorite books from childhood? Were there any
specific authors who inspired you?

C.S Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia were my favorite books as a kid. I used to read
them to my mom when she cooked dinner; it's one of my fondest childhood memories. I
also love J.K Rowling's Harry Potter series, even though I was older than a child when I
read them. I love all kinds of Juvenile fiction.

4) Where did you come up with the characters Kristina and Prince
Werrien?

Kristina is my daughter's name, but even though I named the main character after my
daughter, Kristina in The Magic Warble is definitely her own person. As for Prince
Werrien, a little inner voice called out to me, "Name him Prince Werrien." Na, that wasn't
how it happened. I just made it up.

5) If you could befriend a character from any of your books, who would
you befriend? Why?

I'll go with Looper—the fairy. First of all, how cool would it be to have a fairy friend?
And second, he's cute, encouraging and always willing to help.

6) Where do you like to write? Do you listen to music while you are
writing?

Most of the time I write at my computer, which is in my bedroom. I write whenever I
can, morning, afternoon, night. If I'm on the road, I take my lap-top, and if I have time to
kill, I'll write anywhere. I like it quiet when I write, but I have written with music on, as
well as the television blaring in the background. I have to do what it takes. If I waited for
a perfect, peaceful setting to write than I probably wouldn't get much writing in. Also, if I
waited for a certain mood to be in than I probably wouldn't write much either. The way I
write is more of a discipline; though once I get started, my creativity just starts a flowin'.

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

Today, I'm featuring two book blogger friends who are both writers. But I'm going to talk about them in their capacity as book bloggers.

First off is C. Lee Mckenzie. Lee regularly posts book reviews and author interviews as well as helpful hints for writers. Lee is especially interested in MG, YA, and from the abs on some of those covers I'd say romance ;). Check her out at The WriteGame.

My other awesome blogger today is Charity Bradford. Charity blogs honest but balanced book reviews. Her reviews really do give a fair and unbiased opinion of the book, but I've never seen her bash an author. She reviews everything from clean romance to Sci-Fi. Check her out at Charity's Writing Journey.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

Today I'm featuring an author. Mike Hays is here to talk about bloody Kansas. Take it away Mike:

Bushwhackers, Border Wars, and Bloody Kansas

With The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, Congress attempted to solve a problem
that The Missouri Compromise of 1820 and The Great Compromise of 1851 could
not. The problem? They were trying to find a solution to the growing political issue
of slavery and what to do about determining the free/slave status of new states
admitted to the Union.

On the issue of admittance into the Union as a slave or free state, The Kansas-
Nebraska Act of 1854 included this thing called, Popular Sovereignty. It meant
the free/slave status of Kansas would be decided by the vote of the settlers. Sounds
pretty mild mannered and academic, right? It was a disaster. Pro-slavery folks from
Missouri flooded across the border, most only to vote pro-slavery and then head
back home. Free Staters from the East, many associated with the Abolitionist’s New
England Emigrant Aid Society, came in hordes to the Kansas territory. Water and oil
that did not mix well at all.

Truth be told, very few of these folks on either side were upstanding citizens, think
John Brown, William C. Quantrill, “Bloody” Bill Anderson, and Beecher Bibles (yes,
Sharp’s rifles shipped in boxes of Bibles). When these factors converged on the wild,
western boundary of this young nation, trouble began to brew between Kansas and
Missouri, between free state and slave state, and the Border War for “Bloody” Kansas
began.

Soon, a fight would start on one side of the border, followed by retaliation on
the opposite side. Someone would steal a horse here, and then a horse would be
stolen there. Back and forth, always escalating. Groups of local bands of irregular
militias, guerrillas, organized with the blessing of the Confederate and Union armies,
formed and the real trouble began. These Kansas bands were called Jayhawkers and
Missouri groups were called Bushwhackers.

Homes were burned to the ground, money stolen, people kidnapped, and killed,
atrocities occurred from every corner of the region. It was ugly. The wounds and hate
ran deep. Even years after the Civil War, these evil deeds carried out in the Border
War for Bloody Kansas were not forgotten. Hate and revenge still ruled the hearts of
some, while others wished only to forget and disappear.

My upper middle grade historical fiction book, THE YOUNGER DAYS, is set on a
secluded southwest Missouri farm where a former member of Quantrill’s Bushwhackers
and his wife have escaped their past deeds and built a new life...or so they think.

THE YOUNGER DAYS Cover Blurb

The tension in post Civil War Missouri builds to a boiling point between 11-
year old Boy Smyth and his mild mannered, devout father over the father's
embarrassing lack of support for Boy’s Border War heroes, the outlaw Cole
Younger and the notorious Border War phantom William "The Butcher" Bryant.

The family farm is visited by Cole Younger and his injured brother, Jim, of the
infamous James-Younger gang, on the run after a train robbery in Iowa. Much
to his surprise, Boy discovers the Younger brothers are childhood friends of his
Ma and Pa. Cole has come to their farm searching for the aid of Boy’s mother to
nurse Jim’s gunshot wound. As the Youngers rest and heal, Boy learns about his
family’s past and begins to understand why Pa is the way he is.

After the Youngers leave for their Texas hideout, a new band of visitors arrive
at the farm intent on violent revenge. Everything the family built becomes
threatened by the strangers, forcing Pa to make the decision to unleash a long
hidden identity in order to save his family.

PRIZES!
Now, here’s a GIVEAWAY (No, it’s not free tickets to live studio taping of Let’s Make
a Deal). I’m giving away an eBook copy of THE YOUNGER DAYS to a commenter
who answers the question below.
I am not a good salesman. Never have been. I hated going house to house hawking
fund-raisers as a kid. As a 13-year old, I refused to sell candy bars for the summer
baseball program. Wouldn’t do it. My coach told me I HAD to sell candy bars or sit
the bench.
I refused.
I sat the bench.
I was a pretty good player, but I wouldn’t budge on my position.
I sat the bench.
I am not a good salesman.

Giveaway Question: What was the worst, most hated, most despised thing you
ever had to sell as a kid?

A winner will be randomly selected from the comments after I drag myself out of bed
at the crack of dawn on Saturday morning, 4-6-13.

You can find THE YOUNGER DAYS at these places:
MuseItUp Publishing Bookstore
Amazon Bookstore
iBooks Store
Smashwords.com

Thanks, Beth, for having me as your guest today. You are awesome!

Bio
Mike Hays is a husband, father, and microbiologist from Kansas. Besides writing,
he has been a high school strength and conditioning coach, a football coach and a
baseball coach. He writes from a boy point of view and hopes to spread his particular
style of stupid-funny inspiration through his books, blogs and social media.

His debut upper middle grade historical fiction novel, THE YOUNGER
DAYS, was released by the MuseItYoung imprint of MuseItUp Publishing in
March of 2012 and was the recipient of a 2012 Catholic Writer’s Guild Seal of
Approval Award. He can be found stuck in the web at: www.coachhays.com,
www.mikehaysbooks.wordpress.com, @coachhays64 on Twitter, and
www.facebook.com/MikeHaysBooks

Monday, April 1, 2013

In keeping with the theme of Promote 52, I'm doing A-Z promotions. This is a tribute to book bloggers, so mostly I'll be promoting bloggers. But I'll take the occasional diversion to promote an author I love, or give a shout-out to someone. Of course, A-Z is hosted by Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out.

Today's blogger is Angelica @ Paperback Princess. Angelica supports YA authors, helps with blog tours, and has an interest in paranormal romance. But my favorite thing about her blog is that it's absolutely beautiful. Go say hi to Angelica.